The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised fresh concerns over the growing number of lives lost on Nigeria’s highways, revealing that 2,805 people died in road traffic crashes between January and June 2025.
This alarming figure was shared by the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, during a press briefing in Abuja, where he described the trend as “a national emergency that demands collective responsibility and urgent intervention.”
According to Biu, a total of 5,700 road traffic crashes occurred within the six-month period, resulting in over 17,000 injuries. The Corps cited speeding, wrongful overtaking, fatigue, and vehicle overloading as the leading causes of fatal accidents.
“Our roads have become increasingly dangerous, not just because of poor driving habits, but also due to infrastructure gaps and enforcement limitations,” Biu stated. “We must work together — government, drivers, commuters, and transport unions — to reverse this deadly trend.”
A deeper look at the data reveals that commercial buses and trucks were involved in a significant number of the crashes, particularly on major routes like the Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan, and Benin-Ore highways. Poor road conditions in parts of the country and a lack of consistent vehicle maintenance also contribute to the high casualty rate.
Safety advocates are calling for more investment in road safety education, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and the integration of technology such as speed limiters and surveillance cameras across key highways. Many also argue that improved rail and mass transit systems could reduce pressure on roads and lower accident rates.
For everyday Nigerians — from traders and students to transport workers and families — road travel remains a vital but risky necessity. As the FRSC continues its campaigns and enforcement efforts, citizens are urged to prioritize safety, follow traffic regulations, and report reckless driving.
“The road must not become a death trap,” said Nkechi Okonkwo, a civil society advocate in Enugu. “Every life lost is a family shattered, a future stolen. We can and must do better.”
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